NEWS
STUNNING NEW SCULPTURE TRAIL AT THE LOVELIEST CASTLE IN THE WORLD
Leeds Castle will be in full bloom this autumn with the launch of a brand-new outdoor sculpture trail inspired by beauty of the botanical world .
Running from 5th September to 3rd October , ‘ Sculpture at the Castle : A Botanical Showcase ’ features more than 30 outdoor artworks inspired by flowers , plants and gardens set within the majestic grounds of the historic Kent castle .
The diverse display of abstract and figurative floral works will feature works from 13 sculptors , many of whom are creating works especially for the trail , created using a variety of different materials from recycled plastic to industrial steel .
Set to a backdrop of trees in the Princess Alexandra Gardens , along the water ’ s edge of the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Terraces and amongst the blooms in the Culpeper Gardens , discover sculptures from award-winning artists such as Simon Probyn and Kent-based Carole Andrews at the showcase which also includes a giant metallic seed pod by sculptor and master blacksmith Andy Hopper ; a colour changing oversized rose by environmental artist Diane Maclean ; and the kinetic giant silver walnut leaf by Richard Cresswell .
Alongside ‘ meet the maker ’ talks , visitors can take a seat on the special pop-up flower bench , surrounded by classical country garden-style floral displays set on the castle island . Whilst younger visitors can embark on a floral-inspired trail around the grounds .
AIR AMBULANCE CEO SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS CHARITY AWARD
David Welch , CEO of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex ( KSS ), has been shortlisted by Charity Times for its Charity Leader of the Year Award 2021 – a national award which celebrates excellence amongst charities and not for profit organisations from across the UK and honours the outstanding professionals in charity management .
Since joining the life-saving charity in 2019 , David has been an inspiring leader to a highly skilled , diverse , multi-disciplinary team of 135 staff including doctors , paramedics , dispatchers , pilots , fundraisers , marketers and support staff , and 170 volunteers . A clear priority for David was to ensure the wellbeing of Team KSS , working tirelessly , spending endless hours engaging with and developing his team . He has championed new wellbeing initiatives and has introduced a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian , creating a just culture within KSS .
David said : “ It is a great privilege to lead such a committed and dedicated team and I ’ m delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award . Being recognised in this way is a real validation of the enthusiasm and hard work of the whole of Team KSS . All of our crew , staff , trustees and volunteers are focused on maintaining and developing our world-leading care , so that we achieve the very best outcomes for our patients and I would like to thank everyone whose hard work and passion have helped to make KSS what it is today .”
Operating out of Redhill Aerodrome and headquartered in Rochester , KSS provides world-leading pre-hospital emergency care whenever and wherever required to save lives and to enable the best possible patient outcomes . Covering Kent , Surrey and Sussex , KSS serves a population of 4.8 million plus those who travel through the area – one of the busiest in the UK . Its crews of pilots , doctors and paramedics fly over 2,500 missions a year .
FREE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN KENT AND MEDWAY
With You at Mind and Body , the charity who supports children and young adults who are self-harming , at risk of self-harming or struggling with their mental wellbeing has extended its service to offer free mental health support for young people aged 18-25 in Kent and Medway .
The service , previously open to those aged 13-17 , has now been extended to those aged 18-25 who are struggling with self-harm or mental wellbeing , to help young people find positive ways to manage difficult thoughts and feelings , working with small groups in secondary schools and in the community .
With a January report from Young Minds revealing that 67 % of young people believe the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health , self harm is a common issue in young people with more than a third of 16 – 25 year-olds in Britain having self harmed at some point in their lives .
Sophie Beer , service manager , for Kent and Medway said : “ It ’ s important that we reach young people who are struggling with their mental health as early as possible , to offer friendly support and equip them with the knowledge and strategies they need to understand , talk about and manage emotions like stress or anxiety .
“ Young people are often transferred to adult services when they turn 18 , which can offer a very different approach . Thanks to funding from Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Fund , With You in Kent are expanding their services to those aged 18-25 across Kent and Medway , which means we can support even more young people , in an environment that works for them .
“ Too many young people and their families are struggling alone , worried about feeling judged or that their concerns won ’ t be taken seriously if they ask for support . We ’ re asking anyone who has concerns for a young person to get in touch – no worry is too small or trivial .”
For more information on how to access With You ’ s services visit www . wearewithyou . org . uk .
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